inward-turning
|in-ward-turn-ing|
🇺🇸
/ˈɪn.wɚdˌtɝnɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/ˈɪn.wədˌtɜːnɪŋ/
turning toward the inside
Etymology
'inward-turning' originates from English, specifically the combination of 'inward' and 'turning', where 'inward' meant 'toward the inside' and 'turn' meant 'to rotate'.
'inward' comes from Old English 'innweard' (from 'inn-' meaning 'in' + '-weard' meaning 'toward'), and 'turn' comes via Old French 'torner' (from Latin roots such as 'tornare') meaning 'to turn or rotate'. The compound form developed in modern English by combining the adjective 'inward' with the present participle 'turning'.
Initially, it literally meant 'turning toward the inside'; over time it has retained that physical meaning and also gained a figurative sense of 'turning inward' mentally or emotionally.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
physically bending, curving, or directed toward the inside; having parts that turn inward.
The inward-turning petals sheltered the center of the flower.
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Adjective 2
directed toward one's own thoughts or feelings; introspective or inward-looking (figurative use).
His inward-turning attitude made him prefer solitude over social gatherings.
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Last updated: 2025/12/30 10:58